In Medina County, I-271 was closed in both directions, between I-71 and I-77, for nearly 10 hours after a tanker truck rolled over. 

The Ohio State Highway Patrol said the crash happened around 4 a.m. Hazmat crews and first responders were quickly sent to the scene.

“The preliminary investigation revealed a commercial tanker hauling ethanol was traveling northbound along I-271 near milepost 4 in Granger Township when the driver fell asleep behind the wheel. The tanker traveled off the roadway, jack-knifed and overturned in the roadway,” the news release stated.

As a result, 4,000 gallons of ethanol spilled into the median, forcing crews to close the highway. Ethanol is a highly flammable liquid, primarily affecting water systems, soil, and local wildlife. It requires quick containment and specialized cleanup measures.

The driver, 32-year-old Darius Jones of Maple Heights, was taken to a nearby hospital for non life-threatening injuries. Alcohol and drugs are not factors in the crash, according to investigators. Jones was wearing his seatbelt.

Around noon, OSHP said the tanker had been removed from the highway, but the ethanol cleanup continued. Around 2:30 p.m., authorities were able to reopen the highway.

According to OSHP, the driver will be issued a citation upon completion of their investigation.